FalloutExplainer
Fallout 5 release date: still in preproduction, with no date, trailer or setting announced
Fallout 5 doesn't have a release date. Bethesda Game Studios said on July 17, 2026, that Fallout 5 is in preproduction and is being built on Creation Engine 3, while The Elder Scrolls VI is the studio's primary development focus, with most of the team working on it. Bethesda hasn't announced a release year, platforms, a setting or a trailer, and it hasn't shared anything new about Fallout 5 since that note.
Fallout 5 is officially in the works, but it’s early. Here’s what Bethesda has actually said, and what it hasn’t.
When does Fallout 5 come out?
There’s no release date and no release year. The latest official word came on July 17, 2026, when Bethesda Game Studios said in a note to players that Fallout 5 remains its “long-range destination” and is currently in preproduction. The note didn’t include a date, a window or platforms.
Bethesda hasn’t shared anything new about Fallout 5 since, and dates for it that circulate online haven’t been confirmed by Bethesda.
Where Fallout 5 stands next to The Elder Scrolls VI
The same note explains the order of work. Bethesda Game Studios said The Elder Scrolls VI is its primary development focus today, with the majority of the team on it. Both games are being developed on Creation Engine 3, a shared technology platform the studio says it has been building since Starfield’s launch in September 2023, and which lets its teams work on several projects at once.
The Elder Scrolls VI was revealed on June 10, 2018, and it still doesn’t have a release date. See where things stand on The Elder Scrolls 6. The last main Fallout game, Fallout 4, came out in November 2015. By simple arithmetic, that’s almost 11 years as of October 2026.
Is Obsidian making Fallout 5?
Bethesda hasn’t said that. Its note says Bethesda Game Studios' own teams are developing Fallout 5. Separately, it confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, is working with Bethesda on a new Fallout project, with more to share in the future. Bethesda hasn’t said what that project is.
Is there a Fallout 5 trailer or setting?
No. Bethesda hasn’t released a trailer, footage or artwork for Fallout 5, and it hasn’t announced where or when in the Fallout timeline the game takes place. Videos and locations shared online as Fallout 5 reveals haven’t been confirmed by Bethesda.
Fallout games coming before Fallout 5
Bethesda says Fallout is one of its biggest priorities, with multiple Fallout projects in active development. In the same July 17 note, it confirmed remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, without dates. Here’s what’s known about the Fallout 3 Remastered release date.
Fallout 76 gets its World Pets update in December 2026, and a major expansion called Raven Rock, a prequel story to Fallout 3, is planned for 2027. Fallout 4, which Bethesda says has sold more than 35 million copies, is still getting Creations. Bethesda also has daily news planned for Fallout Day 2026, from Oct. 19 to 23.
This page is updated as soon as Bethesda announces a release date, platforms, a trailer or a setting for Fallout 5.
FAQ
When does Fallout 5 come out?
There’s no release date or year. Bethesda Game Studios said on July 17, 2026, that Fallout 5 is in preproduction, and it hasn’t announced a date since.
Has Fallout 5 been announced?
Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that Fallout 5 is in preproduction, but it hasn’t held a formal reveal, released a trailer or named a setting.
Is there a Fallout 5 trailer?
No. Bethesda hasn’t released any Fallout 5 trailer or footage. Videos labeled as Fallout 5 trailers online aren’t official.
Is Obsidian making Fallout 5?
Bethesda hasn’t said that. Bethesda Game Studios says its own teams are developing Fallout 5, and that Obsidian Entertainment is working with it on a separate new Fallout project.
Where is Fallout 5 set?
Bethesda hasn’t announced a setting. Locations shared online as the Fallout 5 setting haven’t been confirmed by Bethesda.
Will Fallout 5 come out before The Elder Scrolls 6?
Bethesda hasn’t given dates for either game, but it said in July 2026 that The Elder Scrolls VI is its primary development focus, while Fallout 5 is still in preproduction.
Pop quiz
1 questions from this story.
What engine is Fallout 5 being built on?
Bethesda Game Studios said on July 17, 2026, that it’s developing The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 on Creation Engine 3.
Your call
Where do you want Fallout 5 to be set?
